Team Alchemist Riders and Friends near the top of Chimney Gulch. From left: Don, Blake, Ken, Hunter, Mirek, Jeff, David B., Mike S., Steve. Not pictured: Darin, who kindly snapped this photo.

Steve and Blake led the latest Team ride down in Golden. Since we nearly always do our Team rides in Boulder, I thought it would be cool to see what those fellas in Golden ride. I asked Steve to put together an Epic Ride, and as his style, he did not disappoint. Here is his description of the ride:

“We went up Chimney Gulch, crossed to Apex, down Apex, Then over to what I like to call “North Dakota” since it’s North of Dakota Ridge (Jeffco Open space, but not an official trail).

Then up Dakota Ridge at Matthew Winters and down Zorro to Green mountain. We then just went up Rooney Valley and down “North Access trail” that and came out on 6th and Indiana where we rode to South Table at NREL and skirted around South Table (instead of going up and around and down). Then we hopped the road at Rolling Hills Country club, went near the Golden Bike park and skipped North Table and took Clear Creek bike path into Golden. Here is the map: http://www.strava.com/activities/217527070“

Steve and David and a Bull Elk

Apparently, we cut the ride shorter than planned due to time, though I was on fumes at that point, and I think we were all out of water anyway. We all hit Cannonball Creek Brewery afterward for craft beer and wood-fired Pizza. No better way to end a big ride. Thanks for the great ride, Gents!

Like this:

Paul defended his Pikes Peak Marathon crown. Winning the 50+ cat. Coming from third place to crush the competition on the descent. Those aging knees just couldn’t take it. Awesome, Paul!

Laurie on Glen Haven Gallivant 200k. This was a short one for her, having done 400 and 600k this summer. What!?!? What’s the female word for animal? . . . . Animal?Photo from http://coloradobrevets.blogspot.com/

John W. rode 3800 miles across 23 states. Here he is in Wyoming. Being hunted by jackals.

Is that the Grand Canyon? John crossed it on a tightrope on live TV. I think I got that right.

Austin Team contigent, Tommy F. and the fam relaxing in Philly after racing a Vermont Stage Race. Tommy, I think that’s the Delaware, but if it’s the Schuylkill, do NOT fall in. I used to row in that muck, and headless dogs were commonplace floatsam.

Luke won the Boulder Short Track Series for 10 and under. He’s only 9. Booyah!

Sean B. took second at the Vail Amateur Time Trial, which is a part of the US Pro Challenge, of which Sean is the lead Doctor. Saving lives AND Podiums. Need a pic Sean.

Drew went out and rode 24 Hours of Poorman’s/Chapman. Over 200 miles. 25,000ft of vert. Self supported. Why, you ask? Because he can.

What’s new in Alchemist apparel ? Baggies and compression socks. Yeah, you heard it right. We like it loose, but we also keep it tight around here. More on that to come.

While the rest of the Team raced the relatively benign Battle the Bear this past weekend (60 miles, ho-hum), Alchemist/Kappius rider, Drew G., toed the line with a stout open solo field this past weekend at the 18 hours of Fruita. After the dust settled, Drew, at 53 years young, came away the victor. He dominated the field of solo riders as well as many teams. In the end, he logged 27 laps and 197 miles! Change that number plate to a “1”, mister!

Mad props and big ups, Drew. His Boss, Toni G., took second in the open solo female cat. Congrats to both Geers!

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With the Ridgeline Rampage mtb race snowed out, it was up to Sean to represent Team Alchemist this past weekend on the road. He threw down at the Weld County Road Race. Leading the pack for much of the race in his custom Alchemist Team attire. The Pais-Mo kit got a lot of attention. Nice work out there, Sean.

As bad as the weather has been for riding in Boulder, it’s still not as bad as the weather in Minnesota. Steve has been holed up through a long Minnesota winter, but his little girl, Amelia, still finds a way to sport the Alchemist colors. Good thing she gets her looks from her mother.